Used Combines for Sale

A combine, also known as a combine harvester, is a machine that got its name from combining four parts of the harvesting process: reaping (cutting), threshing (separating grain), gathering, and winnowing (removing chaff). It is used specifically for grain crops such as corn, wheat, and barley. How much the combine harvests per day varies depending on crop, weather condition, and size of combine, but it ranges from about 50-100 acres.

A combine harvester is a piece of equipment that combines different harvesting processes: reaping, threshing, and winnowing. While there are a few different types of combine harvester, they're all more than capable of performing these functions:

If you're wondering whether you need a combine harvester for these functions, you technically don't. The amount of manpower required to match the performance of even an entry-level combine harvester, however, is gigantic. Modern combines can cut a 40-foot wide swath of grain in a single pass.

Modern combine harvesters fall within one of two categories, based on whether the equipment needs to be pulled by a tractor or is self-propelled. Today's modern farmers often opt for the self-propelled combine harvester type, but what are its main advantages? Let's take a closer look at each type of combine harvester.

The self-propelled combine harvester generates its own power, courtesy of an attached engine. The harvester's engine powers not only the machine itself but also facilitates related harvesting operations. 

Within the self-propelled combine harvester category, there are two subtypes: conventional and rotary (or axial-flow). While axial flow harvesters are the newer type, they've actually been around since at least the 1970s. The main difference comes down to the mechanics of how threshing and separation operations are performed.

Conventional self-propelled harvesters rely on a drum and walker design for these functions, while the axial-flow variation employs a rotary design. This design innovation allows for increased capacity and productivity, in addition to improved reliability and serviceability due to fewer moving parts.

This type of combine harvester relies on a farm tractor to provide the pulling force. The tractor's power take-off shaft can also power functions like thrashing, cutting, separating, and cleaning. And while modern adaptations of the controlled combine harvester have their own on-board engine to power tasks like cutting and thrashing, they do still depend on a tractor for their primary power and mobility. This is one of the main reasons this is the much less popular combine harvester type, despite being more affordable and easier to store.

It depends on the conditions it has been used in, the number of hours it has been operated, and how well it's been maintained. If a combine has been well maintained and taken care of, then your combine could easily last 15-20 years. However, the most important metric in terms of lifespan is hours of operation.

Combines typically run for around 4,000 to 5,000 engine hours. Separator hours usually clock in around 2,500 to 3,000 as their lifespan. However, it is possible to extend the lifespan with regular maintenance and replacing broken and worn parts. Any time a combine is getting near the 3,000-4,000 hour mark, that would be considered high hours.

The price of a used combine will vary greatly depending on the condition, age, model, size, features, and included attachments. At MachineryPete.com, you can find combines selling anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $600,000. Whatever your budget, you can find a used combine that will work for you.

Think of your purchase in terms of what is right for your operation size and budget. At MachineryPete.com, we have thousands of listings from dealers, owners, and auctions. You can also find headers, harvesting attachments, and corn pickers. Find your used combine today with Machinery Pete.